Related News/Archive

The bridge, which carries one-way traffic eastbound from both Platt Street and Bayshore Boulevard out of South Tampa, will shut down entirely in the latter portion of the project, as crews bring it up to date with current standards.

In the first four months of the project, one lane and the sidewalk will be closed on the north side of the bridge.

In the following four months, a lane and sidewalk on the south side of the bridge will be closed.

Additional lane closings will take place as needed.

The bridge will close entirely for 105 days late this summer or early fall to allow the drawbridge components to be repaired.

The section of Tampa's Riverwalk that runs under the bridge also will be closed through the entire construction project. Officials expect the waterway under the bridge to remain open.

City and county officials are encouraging drivers who use the bridge regularly to begin using alternate routes and to expect delays. The bridge will return to it original functionality and historical appearance upon the completion of the project.

The budget for the project is $13.8 million, with $11.4 million coming from proceeds of the Community Investment Tax, according to officials with the Tampa Downtown Partnership. The remainder is funded through a federal grant.